May the 4th: Portraits from a Galaxy Not So Far Away

May the 4th: Portraits from a Galaxy Not So Far Away Andy Serkis – Depth in Stillness (Rory Lewis Photographer)

As the world celebrates Star Wars Day, I find myself reflecting on the remarkable actors I’ve photographed over the years—some of whom have stepped into the mythos of one of the most beloved franchises in cinematic history.

From Snoke to General Veers, Captain Pellaeon to the creatures of The Mandalorian, these performers have helped shape the Star Wars galaxy. And long before they donned cloaks or commanded Imperial fleets, many sat in front of my lens—seeking something quietly powerful: a portrait that told casting directors they were ready.

Actors often think of headshots as a necessary formality. I’ve always seen them as something more enduring—an actor’s version of an ETF. A long-term investment. Low risk, high potential return. A good headshot, like a diversified portfolio, works silently in the background—showing up on the desks of casting directors, agents, and producers, day after day.

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Andy Serkis – Depth in Stillness

May the 4th: Portraits from a Galaxy Not So Far Away Andy Serkis – Depth in Stillness (Rory Lewis Photographer)

Before returning to Star Wars as Kino Loy in Andor, Andy Serkis joined me for a portrait as part of my personal project Selah. In that image, we captured something meditative, even sacred—a man at the end of a journey, looking inward. It’s that emotional range, evident even in stillness, that casting professionals gravitate toward.

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Julian Glover – A Legacy in Focus

May the 4th: Portraits from a Galaxy Not So Far Away Julian Glover – A Legacy in Focus (Rory Lewis Photographer)

Julian Glover’s filmography spans generations, with his role as General Veers in The Empire Strikes Back marking just one chapter. Our session explored his duality: calm authority and theatrical villainy. His face holds history. A good headshot doesn’t just showcase the present—it nods to the arc of a career.

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Marti Matulis – The Man Behind the Mask

May the 4th: Portraits from a Galaxy Not So Far Away Marti Matulis, a standout in The Mandalorian (Rory Lewis Photographer)

Marti Matulis, a standout in The Mandalorian and Skeleton Crew, is often unrecognizable on screen—buried beneath prosthetics or creature suits. In our portrait session, we focused on vulnerability and tension—the tools of a performer whose body and gaze must communicate everything. His headshot, like his characters, speaks volumes in silence.

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Xander Berkeley – Composure and Command

May the 4th: Portraits from a Galaxy Not So Far Away Xander Berkeley – Composure and Command (Rory Lewis Photographer)

Best known for his work in 24, The Walking Dead, and now Star Wars as Captain Gilad Pellaeon, Xander Berkeley brought a steady, timeless quality to our shoot. A good portrait captures more than likeness; it reveals presence—the kind that carries through decades of screen work.

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An Ongoing Reflection

Over the years, I’ve come to see headshots not just as photographs, but as a form of creative foresight. They are seeds. Planted quietly. Watered with preparation, persistence, and luck. Watching those seeds grow—into performances that shape pop culture and inspire audiences—is one of the great privileges of what I do.

This May the 4th, I salute the actors I’ve worked with who now stand among the stars. And to those still on the journey, keep investing in your craft—on screen, on stage, and yes, sometimes in front of a camera.